ಪುನೀತ್ ರಾಜ್ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವಹೇಳನ ಪ್ರಕರಣ: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಹೈಕೋರ್ಟ್ ತೀರ್ಪು ಮತ್ತು ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ

The Karnataka High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a 22-year-old student for a derogatory Instagram post about late Kannada cinema icon ಪುನೀತ್ ರಾಜ್ಕುಮಾರ್ made after his death in 2021. The order reported on 18 September 2026 combines a strong judicial reprimand for online toxicity with leniency aimed at protecting the youth's academic future.

The post and the FIR

The controversy began with an Instagram post shared on 1 November 2021, days after Puneeth Rajkumar passed away. The post by Ritwik Sharma showed a Kingfisher beer bottle alongside obscene English language targeting the actor, which drew wide outrage among Kannadigas and fans.

Subramanya Nagar police in Bengaluru registered an FIR against him for allegedly attempting to disturb public peace. The legal action was taken under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act and Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code.

High Court hearing and reasoning

Justice Suraj Govindaraj of a single bench heard the plea to quash the FIR. The court said the timing of the post during state-wide mourning was unpardonable and noted that Puneeth Rajkumar had publicly opposed alcohol use among youth.

The bench was told the petitioner grew up in London, returned to India about two years earlier, and was pursuing an economics degree at Ashoka University. Considering the impact of a continuing criminal case on his studies and career, the court decided to quash the proceedings while making clear the conduct was objectionable. The reporting by Vijay Karnataka describes the court's stern remarks on social media responsibility.

Safeguards and judicial balance

The quashing was framed as an exception based on future prospects, not an endorsement of the content. The court warned the youth about responsible online conduct and directed his lawyers to ensure counselling is provided to prevent recurrence.

The verdict highlights the tension between condemning abusive social media posts and protecting a student's career, with leniency tied to academic future and NRI background rather than merit of the post.

Case Detail	Information
Accused	Ritwik Sharma, 22
Date of post	1 November 2021
Police station	Subramanya Nagar, Bengaluru
Legal sections	IT Act Sec 67, IPC Sec 153A
Presiding judge	Justice Suraj Govindaraj
Outcome reported	18 September 2026, case quashed with warning and counselling